Our perspective is as unique to us as our fingerprints are. In today’s climate it is challenging for many to see another person’s perspective. This challenge is not universal and it can be bearable to those who are not as open-minded as others, for those who are willing to try. There simply doesn’t seem to be the desire to try.
If nothing else, this current presidential administration has empowered people on both sides of the aisle to wear their thoughts and feelings on their sleeves. You name it and someone is proud to put it out there, as we say. And when I say put it out there I mean trying to engage the person to the point of heated debate as to who is right and wrong. Let’s be clear- someone needs to be right and someone needs to be wrong. Agreement to politely respect another person’s views is outdated.
Recently, I had a handyman at my home to fix a few electrical outlets. He also happens to be my neighbor from down the street. During casual conversation regarding quarantining and masking, the exchange devolved into a difference of opinion regarding what public health measures hold water and which don’t. As a dental hygienist, I am science based in my outlook on this virus. This gentleman was political in his outlook on this virus. I persisted in trying to steer the conversation away from where we started to no avail. It was a lit match to a political powder keg that I could not extinguish.
At some point he explained being grateful that the president banned Muslims from immigrating to this country, who would then raise children in this country, that would think like their parents- assuming the hearts of all Muslims are filled with hateful feelings toward our country. Finally, I thought, an opportunity to plant a seed of another point of view.
I was raised by two parents – one who was racist and one who was not. My mother felt that a person could be a good person, no matter skin color, even if they were orange, purple, or polka-dotted, as she would say. The important thing to determine was whether they were a good person or not. As a child, I could discern that my father’s views were wrong and my mother’s views made sense.
Then I explained to the gentleman that he needn’t fear that every immigrant household of Muslims was raising their children to hate our country. I explained that I had the capacity to know right from wrong and not adopt my father’s viewpoints as my own. Others can have the same capacity. While he had no reply for why I turned out differently than his perspective held, he continued on to try to convince me why my political party is not patriotic. Luckily, he was done with the outlets and on his way soon after. I hope that he revisits what I shared with him.
At least my mom knows I did listen to her, although not as often as I should have. All the important things got through Mom, no worries.